RCC Teaching Series

Series: Finding Your Way Back to God - Week 3: Awakening to Help

“We would rather be ruined than changed. We would rather die in our dread than climb the cross of the present and let our illusions die.” Richard Rohr

3rd Awakening - “Awakening to Help”

17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ Luke 15:17-19

Prayer of Help: “God, if you are real, make yourself real to me. Awaken in me the willingness to turn toward you for help.”

So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:29

Practice Of KESAHAH

When You “Awaken to Help” and decide to come home; we will discover that help has a name. It’s Jesus.

“This is my (broken) body, which is for you.” 1 Corinthians 11:24

WK 3 - Awakening To Help.

“I can’t do this on my own”

Icebreaker Question

Icebreaker questions are a fun way to get the conversation started and for your group to get to know each other.

Share a funny story about a time when you got in a jam and needed help. This could be a story about your car getting stuck in the snow, getting a bracelet caught in your hair, or something like that.

Tell about a time when you tried to make a fresh start of some kind in your life, a new job, a new relationship, break a bad habit, or improve yourself - and failed. Looking back, why do you think it didn’t work?

Play Wk 3 Video - Finding Your Way Back To God. (10-12 minutes)

Video Discussion Questions

How did Jeremy, Melissa, and J.R. interviewed in the video, experience their “I Can’t do this on my own” awakenings?

What was it in Dave and John’s description of God that touched you the most, and why?

Bible Discussion

Read Luke 15:14-20

When the son realized he needed some help, who did he think of, and why?

What kind of reaction did the young man expect form the Father? What kind of reaction did he actually get?

What does the reaction by his father (representing God) teach you about having the confidence to return to God?

Application

Would you say you are at a point of admitting you need help to lead a life different form the one you have? Why or why not?

What sort of response do you expect to receive from God if you come to him and ask him to accept you through grace?

Leader Read:

It’s time to “come to your sense” like the prodigal son. You don’t have enough willpower to change on your own. Instead surrender to the One who wants more for your life can you could ever imagine. Help has a name - Jesus.

Do one of two things

If you are have never given your life to Christ and made the decision to be baptized, is this something you are ready to step into?

If you are a follower of Jesus but have wondered off, In what ways would you like to recommit your life?

Prayer Exercise

Celebrate the decision that were made. One way to do this is the leader begins praying for the person on their right and then take turns praying for the person on their right - either out loud or quietly. It’s important to sense someones level of comfort in prayer.